___________________________Gearslave872Hey guys, I’m looking to upgrade my sound card to a nice usb or firewire audio interface. I’ve been using Audacity and Garage Band, but I’m thinking I should buy Logic. Any recommendations? Thanks!

___________________________RE: Which audio interface and software should I buy???___________________________PhatNLoudLogic sucks!

___________________________RE: Which audio interface and software should I buy???___________________________I’m4GearHow much i/o do you need???

___________________________RE: Which audio interface and software should I buy???___________________________Gearslave872Quote:Originally Posted by PhatNLoudLogic sucks!

Dude, what’s the deal with you???? I’m just asking a simple question! You did this last time!

I’m4Gear, what’s i/o??

___________________________RE: Which audio interface and software should I buy???___________________________I’m4Geari/o: i = inputs; o = outputs. So, how many inputs and outputs do you need? If you’re just a basement recording guy, maybe 2 to 4 inputs would do you fine. But, it all depends on how many mics and sources you’re recording at one time. As for DAWs, I dunno know, any one of the big guys are fine; Logic, Pro Tools, Sonar, Cubase, etc. It really comes down to needs and what you find more intuitive.

___________________________RE: Which audio interface and software should I buy???___________________________GearBeforeLoveQuote:Originally Posted by PhatNLoudLogic sucks! LOL!!!!

good one PhatNLoud! : )

___________________________RE: Which audio interface and software should I buy???___________________________JZeeForeverI once read on another audio forum that your computer’s sound card was just as good as the high end audio interfaces from Lynx, Avid, or Apogee. Personally, I use a 003r which I had modified from Black Lion Audio and it sounds killer! Dude, just get whatever makes the wind blow through your hair.___________________________RE: Which audio interface and software should I buy???___________________________I’m4GearQuote:Originally Posted by JZeeForeverDude, just get whatever makes the wind blow through your hair.

: o___________________________

For the last part of this series we’re going to look at the device that converts analogue sound to digital and vice versa (aka the converter or audio interface) and the recording software (aka DAW - digital audio workstation).

On a side note, as I write this blog I’m listening to Dire Strait’s album Brothers in Arms. I’m listening to this one in particular because it was among the first albums to be recorded, mixed, mastered and released digitally. It was recorded on a Sony 24 track digital tape recorder, mixed to DAT using a Prism converter and released on the new CD format. The year was 1985. Some think that Brothers in Arms sounds cold and sterile due to digital recording still being relatively new. But I’m sure you’ll agree that the album kicks butt anyway and sounds great. Fast forward twenty-seven years and digital audio sounds just as good as analogue and in many respects surpasses it. Even today’s less expensive converters sound better than professional ones from the mid-80’s.

Why are Audio Interface and DAW last in the Recording Chain?

I’m not saying the audio interface or DAW isn’t important. I am saying that it’s the least important (just listen to Brothers in Arms.) Still, one caveat: the chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

If you’ve taken care of the source, the acoustics, the preamp, and the microphone, take care in selecting a good audio interface and one of the pro DAWs and your recordings will sound great. As long as you know how to use it all properly . . . but that’s another blog series.

The Analogue to Digital / Digital to Analogue Converter

The study of digital recording is extensive and technical and are best studied using the resources below. For our purposes, we want a good audio interface and DAW that meets our needs so we can get back to the music as quickly as possible.

When searching for an audio interface the following questions will help guide your selection process:

A) What are my input and output needs?

How many sources being recorded at one time?

Types of sources being recorded?

Analogue In types: XLR, 1/4” TRS, RCA, DB-25?

Digital In types: S/PDIF, AES/EBU, ADAT?

Outputs: Monitoring formats: stereo and surround?

B) Do I want preamps or just A/D conversion, or a combination of both?

C) What type(s) of transfer protocol do I need? This will depend on the computer(s) you use

Firewire

USB

PCIe

ADAT

AES/EBU

D) Other Features:

How many sampling rates needed: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192?

Word Clock?

MIDI I/O?

Number of Headphone outputs?

Chassis design: rack spaces or stand alone?

After you’ve figured out your needs and budget, the best way to decide on what audio interface to buy is to start reading some audio forums like Gear Slutz and see what people are recommending.

When I first started recording using my computer I used a PC, Cakewalk’s Sonar, and an M-Audio Delta 44 audio interface and made some good recordings. Then in 2006 I switched to Mac and Pro Tools. Why? I was about to enroll in audio school and knowing that Pro Tools is the industry standard, I wanted to get a head start. For the audio interface I went with a Digidesign 002r because it gave me a huge amount of flexibility for I/O, MIDI, and transfer protocol. My only regret is that I wished it had word clock like the 003r, but that’s OK.

Did my recordings get better because I had a better interface? No. I got better because I was learning how to be a better recording engineer.

In 2008 I found out about Black Lion Audio and sent my 002r to them for the Signature Series modification. When I got it back I listened to the same CDs I had before and my jaw dropped onto the floor. Then I did a vocal / piano recording and sat mesmerized by the vocal sound. It doesn’t take a huge amount of money to get a great sounding audio interface.

The Recording Software (DAW)

Choosing between the pro platforms like Logic, Cubase, Pro Tools, Abelton Live, Sonar, etc. really comes down to three things:

the software’s features

the computer you use

your workflow in relation to the software

Sound quality is not an issue.

Don’t listen to those who say Pro Tools sucks and Logic is better, or Cubase is for rappers, Logic is for composers, and Pro Tools is for editors. Start with answering this question:

What am I using recording software for?

The next thing you can do is download the demo of the ones you think fit your needs. Try them out and see which one jives with your workflow. I can guarantee that there will be at least one you gravitate to, one that just clicks.

Personally, I chose Pro Tools because of its place in the industry and because I was looking to get into production and engineering. While at audio school I had the opportunity to learn Pro Tools, Cubase, Abelton Live, Logic, and Reason. I preferred Pro Tools, but I can see how each one would fit perfectly for other people. They’re all great DAWs.

While the order is important, remember that the chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Give careful thought, planning and selection to each link and you’ll propel your recordings to higher altitudes.

You forgot one post:
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Apl4evr:...........
Protools sucks!
Logic is the only way!!!! :)
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In all seriousness..great article. Very sensible and good focus on what really matters. Thanks for breaking it down so simply for us Jeremy!